After making the difficult decision in 2021 to hold the 58th annual Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) convention as a virtual event, LWMS was thrilled to again meet in person in Rochester, N.Y., on June 23-26. More than 500 attendees from WELS and Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations joyfully gathered under the theme “Set Free in Christ,” based on John 8:32.

“What a joy it was to talk, laugh, sing, and worship together again. We even did some dancing! Our Freedom Circuit hosted an amazing convention, offering our members a time to rejoice in the blessings we have through Christ!” says Ms. Patsy Kramer, LWMS president.

The Rochester gathering contained all of the elements that make the convention such a moving experience, like the annual flag presentation. This year’s presentation included a flag from WELS’ newest world mission field—the United Kingdom. In addition, attendees were able to speak with missionaries face to face to provide encouragement, fellowship, and prayer.

During presentations, attendees learned about the expanding outreach by WELS’ One Latin America mission team using the Academia Cristo app and about the continuing growth of WELS’ mission field in East Asia. In addition, home missionaries shared their experiences with outreach in New York and Pennsylvania. There were also two virtual presentations with missionaries from Texas and Germany.

Convention goers were treated to the unique, worshipful sounds of Hope Sacred Steel Orchestra from Hope, Toronto, Canada, which provided entertainment for Saturday evening’s banquet in addition to the music for Sunday morning’s closing worship service.

Each year, the individual LWMS circuits gather offerings for Home and World Mission projects. This year, more than $110,000 was collected for WELS Campus Ministry Support and Native American Special Projects. In addition, just over $50,000 was collected through this year’s LWMS kids c.a.r.e. project, supporting gospel outreach to Roma children in Europe.

“The gifts, prayers, and support of LWMS for our mission efforts is tremendous,” says Rev. Larry Schlomer, administrator of WELS World Missions. “Beyond the joy and fellowship shared at the convention, our mission families have this very real example of how much members of WELS care for them and the work the Lord is doing through them. That is always a welcome shot in the arm for the important work we have asked them to do.”

Mrs. Marnie Ketterman, from Messiah, South Windsor, Conn., was among the 103 first-time convention attendees and was awed by her experience: “I loved seeing the faces of the missionaries as they talked about their mission work. Their faces radiated such a deep joy and peace. It makes you want that too.” She continues, “Meeting all of the women is fantastic, and seeing the mission work that is being done is what gets you to come back year after year.”

Next year’s convention, the milestone 60th, will be in La Crosse, Wis., June 22-25, 2023. The theme will be “Peace Like a River.”

Learn more about LWMS at lwms.org.